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������ý College Vice President for Community Engagement and Strategic Planning Monica Chavez-Silva has been selected to receive a 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to volunteer service in Iowa.

������ý College and the ������ý Mutual Group Foundation have announced lead gifts totaling $475,000 in support of the ������ý-Newburg School Foundation (GNSF) campaign benefiting the new ������ý-Newburg Elementary School project at Ahrens Park. ������ý College has pledged $250,000, while the ������ý Mutual Group Foundation has committed $225,000 to the foundation’s School Facilities Fund, helping advance community efforts to bring the full vision of the new school to life.

In May, a diverse lineup of events — from personal storytelling and perfumed oral histories to statewide networking and films from the Smithsonian — brought that mission to life.

Lodaya, from India, is pursuing majors in Economics and History and has distinguished himself as both a scholar and campus leader. The award, named in honor of Nancy Schmulbach Maly ’61, celebrates students who embody her extraordinary legacy of leadership and service.

������ý College Catering continued a long-standing partnership with ������ý High School by hosting its annual pre-prom dinner, a tradition dating back to 2011. Shaped by student input through a dedicated prom committee, the event features favorite menu items—like the crowd-pleasing “Fudge Overload” dessert—while offering a high-quality, local dining experience. The evening reflects a shared commitment to creating a safe, memorable celebration for students close to home.

For decades, the ������ý College Preschool has been a place where curiosity is nurtured, community is built, and young learners take their first steps into a lifelong journey of discovery. This year, the College pauses to honor two individuals who have shaped that experience for generations of children and families — Karen Veerhusen-Langerud and Connie Molison — as they enter retirement.

In April, a diverse lineup of events — from personal storytelling and knitting gatherings to professional mentoring and arts education — brought that mission to life.

������ý College, local power company Alliant Energy, the Ahrens Family Foundation, the Mayflower Community, and the City of ������ý has partnered on a new solar park, ensuring that will 75% of ������ý's power will come from renewable sources.

What began as a simple idea to sing together has become Vox Feminae — a close-knit group of women who find connection, creativity, and care through music. With each rehearsal and performance, they continue to build community and share something meaningful with ������ý.

At the covered entrance of Drake Community Library, a simple but meaningful new resource is quietly making a difference. The ������ý Community Fridge offers 24-hour, no-questions-asked access to fresh and recovered food — providing another layer of support for community members navigating food insecurity. For Rachel Rudacille ’26, the project has been more than a volunteer effort. It has been an opportunity to listen, learn, and help build something lasting alongside community partners.